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INDEX 

Page. 

Advice to Married Men 18 

Almost Home 34 

Announcing a Concert 39 

Children's Day 24 

Count the Negro In 6 

Echoes of Emancipation (Prize Poem) 19 

Frederick Douglass __• 36 

Hitherto 34 

Honor to Whom Honor is Due 3 

How Aunt Dinah "(lot By" 28 

Kentucky Home — Farewell! 32 

Light at Eventide 26 

Lynch-Law Must (lo 17 

On Beginning a Program 41 

Onward to the Field of Battle! 14 

Our Faithful Women 13 

Over On the Plains of Glory 27 

Parody on "A Psalm of Life" 9 

President Wilson and the Great World- War 3 

Tell the Truth or Nothing 25 

That Horsehack Ride 3 

The Little Woman Rules the World 37 

The Matrimonial Ship 33 

"The-One-Man-Concert-Man" 38 

The Place I Like the Best 36 

"The World Safe for Democracy" 10 

Uncle Sam's Dream 15 

When Jesus is Holding My Hand 35 



"HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE" 

OR 

PRESIDENT WILSON AND THE GREAT 
WORLD-WAR 



Who, with determination, strove hard to keep our 
nation 

Out of the war the Kaiser made against civilization? 

Rut, when in crimes against the world, the brutal Hun 
persisted. 

Stood up and fearlessly declared, "A state of war ex- 
isted?" 

Who said, "It's time to rid the world of arrogant 
autocracy?" 

Who said, "We'll go to war to make the world safe for 
democracy?" 

Who sent our boys to "Make the world a decent place 
to live in?" 

And said, "We'll fight and fight until we make the 
Kaiser give in?" 

Who handled our diplomacy with marvelous effi- 
ciency ? 

Who piloted our ship of state with masterful profi- 
ciency? 

Who found a way to bring the peace we all enjoy to- 
day? 

Ask Jones, or Smith, or Tilson, ask Williams, ask 
McGilson, 

Ask any one you chance to meet, in country lane or 
crowded street. 

And every honest man will sav, 
"Wilson! Woodrow Wilson!"' 



THAT HORSEBACK RIDE 



Ah ! no, I never can forget 
That most eventful ride, 

Among the woods of Tennessee, 
With Nellie by my side. 



Scotl's Poetic (iems 

'Twas ill the lovely month of June; 

When nature seeks to please. 
The lanihs frisked in the meadow, 

The hirds sang in the trees. 

The insects made their music, 
The frog sent forth its croak, 

The squirrel ran down the hickory tree, 
And scampered up the oak. 

Sweet violets and buttercups, 

Daisies and daffodills. 
Peeped shyly from the mossy banks 

Along the rippling rills. 

The trees, dressed out in blossoms, 
All seemed to smile and say, 

"We've saved our sweetest fragrance, 
To cheer vour hearts today." 



We talked of nature's beauty. 
Of fields, and l)irds and flow'rs. 

While golden moments roUed along, 
And lengthened into hours. 

I wanted to make known the Ionc, 

That burned within my heart. 
But, somehow, 1 was lost for words. 
And couhhi't make a start. 

At last 1 coughed, and cleared my throat. 

And heaved a solenm sigh. 
Tiiat seemed to give me courage, 

And so I thought I'd try. 

With trembling heart 1 then resolved — 

At once to know my fate. 
How 1 began, I'll never know — 

My secret to relate. 

But someho\\', I made known my love, 

Which she, in silence heard. 
I called on angels frou-i above 
To witness every word. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 

And then I came clown io the point, 
With looks grave and sedate. 

And asked her if she thouglit my love 
She could reciprocate. 

She let me take her hand in mine, 

She hung her pretty head, 
And as I urged her to reply. 

She raised her head and said — 

"You're very kind to love me so, 

But you must not forget. 
That I am only just a girl. 

With no experience 3^et." 

I told her that my love for her, 

Would never, never die; 
And asked her if she would he mine^ 

And waited her reph^ 

I do not know how long nor far. 

We hoth rode side hy side. 
But this I know, when we returned. 

My heart was satisfied. 

Days and weeks and months rolled round. 

And we at last, got married, 
A.nd after that, within my breast, 
A happy heart I carried. 

God blessed us with a dear sweet child, 

On whom our love w^as centered. 
But ere twelve months had rolled away. 
Death in our family entered. 

'Twas hard to part with our dear child. 

But 'twas the will of God. 
So with bowed heads, and bleeding hearts. 

We "passed beneath the rod." 

When God took our sweet babe away,. 

And left us broken hearted. 
It seemed that all our hopes and joys 

Forever had departed. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 

They say thai "time lieals ev'ry wound,' 
But Tin inclined to douht it. 

For still our hearts will bleed afresh, 
When e'er we speak about it. 

But, even though we mourn our loss. 

We still love one another. 
Nellie is dearer to me now. 
For she's an angel's mother. 

And so, we're striving still to live. 

As the good book intended, 
Each for the other, and both for God, 

Till our probation's ended. 

Ah! No! I never can forget 

That most romantic ride. 
Among the woods of Tennessee, 

With Nellie bv mv side. 



COUNT THE NEGRO IN 



The negro has been amply tried. 

Wherever he has been. 
That he's a man — can't be denied. 
So justice says you must decide 
To count the Negro in. 

No sort of color of the skin — 
Aftects the man that is within; 
So think of this, and then begin 
To count the Negro in. 

Does color of a dog, or horse. 
Arouse your hatred? No! of course. 
Why treat a human being worse? 
Count the Negro in. 

You'll get the truth, and see the light, 
If you'll just read the Bible right* 
For Father Adam wasn't white; 
So count the Negro in . 



Scott's Poetic Gems 

And Solomon said, in days way back, 
In answering a foe's attack, — 
"Look not on nie because I'm black," 
Count the Xegro in. 

Rate manhood only by its worth. 
And not by color, race or birth, 
For all men came of Mother. Earth. 
So count the Negro in. 

And, since all came of earthly dust. 
Then all are brothers; and we must 
Do unto all men what is just. 
Count the Negro in. 

When there is fighting to be done 
'Gainst cruel Turk or savage Hun, 
He's quickly handed out a gun. 
And then he's counted in. 

And, since he's man enough to fight.. 
No matter if he isn't white; 
Shouldn't he be treated right? 
Count the Negro in. 

To those who seek to make excuse 
For race-injustice and abuse. 
The "social bugbear" has its use, — 
A camouflage for sin. 

But subtile subterfuge, of course, 
Tho' strongly backed by brutal force, 
Must wither 'neath God's righteous curse. 
Count the Negro in. 



He's counted in — in England; 

And there he gets a chance 
Like all the other people. 

And its just the same in France. 

He's counted in — in Italy; 

And all through Europe too. 
In Canada, in Cuba, 

And South America through. 



Scuit's Poetic Gems 

Then why not in America., 
Tlie diva I "Land ol' the Free.'" 

Where people have so much to saj' 
About "hiunanily?" 

While other ('hi'istian nations, 

All count the Negro in, 
America still draws the line 

On color oC the skin. 

But America, eventually. 
Will count the Negro in; 

And free herself forever, — 
From hei" great national sin. 

-Per America is alright. 

When once she is aroused; 

Will fight and die for principles 
She's honestly espoused. 

And when her mind is made up, 

And she starts in to do 
A noble act or duly. 

She "puts the business through." 

Great wonders now are working 
Throughout this land today; 

And ev'ry thing is changing — 
From all the "old-time" way. 

A better public sentiment 

Is growing every day; 
And justice for the Negro, 

Is surely on the way. 



Trust God! trust God! my people; 

It's good to understand. 
He holds our future destiny — 

In His almighty hand. 

He's led us safely thus far. 
And He will lead us still. 

If we will only trust Him, 
And do His holy will; 



Scott's Poetic Gems 

Then do not be discouraged; 

But work and watch and pray. 
For God will surely answer prayer. 

In His own time and way. 

The night's been dark and dreary, 

With longings for the day; 
But God will never cease to hear 

His children when they pray. 

Now hear ye the Law of the Master, 
It will justify or else condenni, 

"As ye would that all men should do unto you- 
Do ye even also unto them." 

Not unto rich men, or poor men. 
To high men, or low men, 
To white men, or black men. 
To many men, or few, — 

But its "do ye unto all men — 
As you'd have them to do unto you." 
He who alone can save from sin. 
Says, "All men must be counted in." 
So, count the Negro in. 

PARODY ON "A PSALM OF LIFE' 
(With apologies to Longfellow) 
RECITATION FOR A GIRL 



Tell me not in silly jingle, 
Marriage is an idle dream; 

For the girl is dead that's single. 
And things are not what they seem. 

Life is real; life is earnest: 
"Single blessedness," — a fib. 

Man thou art, to man returnest. 
Has been spoken of "the Rib." 

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow 
Is our destined end or way. 

But to act that each tomorrow. 
Brings us nearer wedding day. 



10 Scott's Poetic Gems 

Life is short; and lilc is fleeting: 
And our hearts tho' young and gay, 

Still like merry drums are healing 
Wedding marches all the way. 

In the worUfs hroad fieitl of hattle. 

In the hivouac of life. 
Be not like dumh driven cattle. 

Be a heroine! Be a wife! 

Lives of married folks remind us, 
We can make our lives as well, 

And, departing, leave hehind us. 
Such examples as shall Icll. 

Such examples, that another. 
Wasting time in idle sport, 

A forlorn, immarried hrother. 

Seeing, will take heart, and court. 

Let us then, he up and doing; 
With a will to triumph yet, 
Still contriving, still pursuing. 
And each one a hushand get. 



'THE WORLD SAFE FOR DEMOCRACY" 



In wars of this great nation. 

There's never heen a lack 
Of hrave and loyal Negroes, 

To lead in the attack. 
Among the nation's heroes. 

Some famous ones are hlack. 

The Negro has Ijeen tested. 

The whole wide world around. 

Has served the nation faithfully; 
And, ev'ry time 'twas found. 

That where he fought heneath the flag, 
"It never touched the ground." 



Scott's Poetic Gems 11 

On battlefields of Europe, 

His valor has reflected 
New luster for Old Glory, 

And our dear homes protected. 
Now will this Christian nation see 

That his rights are respected? 

Justice demands an answer: 

While heaven looks down to see 

Just what this nation means to do; 
What her reply shall be. 

For on her answer must depend 
Her future destiny. 



Just what the answer is to be. 

Is now "up to" the nation. 
Shall it be more taxation — 

Without representation? 
More jimcrowism, segregation. 

More unjust discrimination? 

What shall the nation's answer be? 

More hatred and "mobocracy?" 
No! No! for that would only mean — 

More sham, and more hypocricy. 
Race-hate and fake, can never make 

"The world safe for democracy." 

Think not that He who rules the world 

And all of its possessions, 
Will punish Europe for her sins 

Of misrule and oppression, 
Then let America escape 

With similar transgressions. 
No! No! 



"Be not deceived ! God is not mocked." 

And justice never sleeps. 
"For whatsoever man may sow. 

The same he surely reaps." 
Its God's unchangeable decree. 

And governs yon as well as me. 



12, Scot I' s Poetic Gems 

This law is universal, — 

As history will show. 
The great "world-war" has proven, 

(So all niankiiid may know) 
That even mighty nations 

"Must reap just what they sow." 

Hence, aiiij luition, any race, 

Or state, or institution. 
That robs the helpless of their rights, 

And makes no restitution, 
Is sowing what will surely bring 

God's awful retribution. 



When justice is accorded 

To ev'ry man the same. 
Mob-violence no more shall ])e 

The nation's awful shame. 
And then we'll get democracy 

That's worthy of the name. 

Let's hope that Uncle Sam will rise. 

With might and resolution. 
And, once for all, proclaim that he — 

Will make full restitution 
Of all the rights now guaranteed 

By the federal constitution. 

If so, swift messengers will si)eed 
On lightening pinions winging. 

And spread the news throughout the world' 
And set the heaven bells ringing. 

Till all creation shall rejoice 
And l)i-eak forth into singing. 

America will he enthroned. 
As Queen of all the Nations. 

Receive the homage of the world. 
And heaven's congratulations. 

While Ood himself, will smile upon 
Her glorious coronation. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 13 

America must then proceed 

To practice what she's preaching. 

Must teach the lessons, at home, 
She's heen to Europe teaching. 

Tlie good 'twill do the nation. 

Will be instant and far-reaching. 

And, having rid the foreign lands 

Of misrule and autocracy, 
She must dethrone — right here at home — 

Injustice and "mobocracy," 
Then, (praise the Lord!) she will have made 

"The World Safe for Democracv." 



OUR FAITHFUL WOMEN 



Of all that's been said. 

And sung and been read 
Of the progress made by the Race; 

Of those who have worked. 

And never have shirked. 
Our women have honored their place. 

Through sunshine and storm. 

Their hearts have kept warm : 
They've marched in our ranks day by day; 

With smiles and with tears. 

With hopes and with fears. 
Their burdens they've borne all the way. 

With sweet words of cheer. 

When dangers are near. 
They've strengthened our hearts in the fray; 

When plunged in despair, 

They've ahvays been there. 
To drive care and sorrow away. 

With smiles and with flow'rs. 
They've sweetened the hours. 

And helped all the burdens to bear; 
Yes, all the way through. 
They've been faithful and true. 

They've shared ev'ry joy, ev'ry care. 



14 Scott's Poetic Gems 

Tho' misunderstood. 

They've done what they coiUd; 
In silence they've borne all tlieir woes. 

What they have endured. 

For all we've secured. 
The "judge of all hearts" only knows. 

Our daughters and wives, 

Have given their lives 
To the work which our fathers begun; 

Our sisters and mothers. 

Aunts, nieces and others. 
We honor for what they have done. 

Its all very well 

To boast and to tell 
Of the many great victories won; 

Much of our success. 

We all must confess. 
Is due to what women have done. 

Remember these truths, 

Ye old men and youths, 
And honor our women today; 

Yes, honor thein more 

Than ever before. 
They've earned ev'ry tribute we pay. 

Just give them a chance; 

And our cause will advance; 
Our lamp will nev«^r need trimmin'. 

While they guard the light. 

Its sure to sliine bright; 
God bless the good work of our women! 



ONWARD TO THE FIELD OF BATTLE I 
To Our Brave Soldier Boys. 



Onward to the field of battle! 
Where the guns and sabers rattle. 
Find the Huns, the savage cattle, 
And then do not spare a life. 
Tho' in trenches they may shelter, 
Or may scatter, helter-skelter. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 15 

In their vile blood make them welter, 
Until they give up the strife. 

Hindenburg, the supervisor. 

And that monster, called the Kaiser, 

Smash and thrash till they are wiser. 

Haul their colors to the ground. 
Fight with Foch and Haig and Pershing. 
Like a cyclone's mighty rushing. 
Give the Huns an awful crushing — 

Anywhere they may be found. 

On! brave boys, to Europe gory; 
And there win undying glory. 
Show the truth of that old story — 

Of how^ Negro troops can fight. 
When it comes to fighting power. 
You're the nation's "Pride and Flower," 
And we know you'd never cower. 

With a million foes in sight. 

On then! with the old flag waving; 
On! and stop the foe's mad raving; 
Never let them have their craving; 

Never falter in the fight. 
Trust in God, and in your powder; 
Tell the world in thunders louder — 
Negro troops are never prouder 

Than when fighting for the right. 



UNCLE SAM'S DREAM 



Uncle Sam reclined in his great arm chair. 

And he thought of the world's great war. 
He thought of the aims, he thought of the claims 

The nations were fighting for. 
And when he had thought of the pomp and the fake, 

And the horrid mis-rule of autocracy, 
He said, "I'll enter this war, just to make 

"The world safe for democracy." 
And, having decided just what he would do. 

The old man slept, — and his spirit flew 
In an airship up through the azure deep. 

To where the bright stars their sentinels keep. 



1() ScoU's I'oclic C/ry.io' / 

I)islurl)c'(l by llic airsliip's whirring sound. 

Dark clouds begin to gather round. 

The lightings flash, the thundei.s roai-. 

An aNNJul rain begins to pour. 

Keen fiery darts and blazing bars. 

Are hurled by angry shooting stars- 

But the clouds were rent by the thunder's crash, 

So the ship got through, by a daring dash. 

And came to the planet Mars. 

Feai-, amazement, consternation, 

Seized the planet's population. 

While on through a sea of golden beams. 

The airship sailed to the land of dreams, 

Aniong the twinkling stars. 

And there, away in that mystic land. 

So lar from human hypocricy. 
These \\()i'ds \\»n'e seen on every hand — 

"The world safe for democracy." 
"O, ho! ho! ho,!" cried Uncle Sam, 

"Those words must be immortal. 
They're here, and there, and everywhere. 

They're yonder on earth's i)ortal. 
They're carved in every marble hall, 

The3''re posted up on every wall; 
Spreading fear and consternation 
Through those autocratic nations. 
Sending through the earth a thrill. 
That will never cease until 

We strip the Nxorld of his robes of autocracy. 
And rig him right out in a suit of demociacy. 

A suit for the world, made- strictly to measure. 
A suit he can wear with pride and with pleasure. 
All civilized nations must work on the job; 
And when it is finished, just tell Uncle Bob, 
That, of all the gay planets so dazzlingly wdiirled, 
Not one can "razzle-dazzle" our dandy old world. 
And then by a trick only possible in dreams, 
The suit was com])leted, all at onc(>, and it seems — • 

The work w^as well done, 

So the world slipped it on. 
And, seeing himself in a mirage near by, 
Exclaimed>'0, My! what a d"^andy anri!" 



Scott'a Poetic (ieins 17 

He tried to whistle "Dixie," and the "Star Spangled 

Banner;" 
Then he called to old Sol in a honibastie manner, 
Saying, ''Hello, Sol ! Woodrow Wilson w as right, 
When he sjjoke to me over the wireless that night. 
And said, I must take otl" my togs of auiocracy. 
And wear Ihe good garments of j)eace and democracy. 
And then, don't you know, he just went on to show 
Why the togs of democracy are now "all the go." 
And, Sol! I just took in ev'ry thing that he said. 
Slid into a fog, and, — presto! — I shed 
My shabby old togs of blood-stained autocracy. 
Now look! ain't I a dandy? Hooray for democracy." 

It tickled old Sol, and he laughed— till a beam 
Gave the Star Spangled Banner a radiant gleam. 
The American Eagle then let out a scream. 
And woke Uncle Sam from his wonderful dream. 



LYNCH-LAW MUST (10 



Our President has spoken. 

Mob-violence must go. 
The monster "lynch-law" has been dealt 

A hard and crushing blow. 

Too long this brutish monster. 

Has held his cruel sway; 
His hellish reign of terror, 

Must surely pass away. 

God bless our noble President, 
Who struck the mighty blow. 

A law-abiding sentiment, 
Should now begin to grow. 

And when America is freed 

From mob-law, sham and shame. 

We then shall have democracy 
That's worthy of the name. 



18 Scott's Poetic Gems 

ADVICE TO MARRIED MEN 
(Recitation for a Female) 



Always try to please your wife; 

For on your wedding day, 
You vowed to shield her from all strife^ 

And she vowed to obey. 

What's yours is hers; what's hers is yours; 

Then let it be your plan — 
To love your wife through married life. 

And please her all you can. 

Don't argue when her temper's up; 

Just let her have her way. 
Don't try to stop her when she talks, 

Just let her have her say. 

If you're at business all day long. 

Or for pleasure out to roam, 
Pray don't forget — your little wife 

Is all alone at home. 

When you go out for pleasure. 

Just take your wife with you. 
And very often you'll avoid 

Much trouble if you do. 

And when your weekly wages 

On Saturdays you've got; 
Don't try to do her out of it. 

But give her all the lot. 

And never stay out late at night, 

Go early home instead; 
Or else your lonely little wife 

Will surely be in dread. 

But if you should, perchance, be late. 

Don't use that worn out dodge 
And try to make your wife believe 

That you "been to the lodge." 



Scott's Poetic Gems 19 

Don't rill yourself with drink, and 

Go home walking on j^oiir head. 
But go home sober; hug and kiss, 

Then toddle of!" to bed. 

Always try to please your wife; 

For on your wedding day. 
You vowed to shield her from all strife, 

And she vowed to obey. 

What's yours is hers; what's hers is yours; 

Then let it be your plan — 
To love your wife through married life, 

And please her all you can. 

ECHOES OF EMANCIPATION 
Prize Poem 



For centuries in bondage, 

Bereft of joy and peace. 
Our people sighed for freedom. 

And prayed for their release — 
Until the dawn of freedom's day 

Made all their sorrows cease. 

For in God's own appointed time, 

A rumbling in the north. 
Like sounds of distant thunder. 

Began to shake the earth. 
And then the heavens opened. 

And a shining one came forth. 

He stood upon a cloud, and 

Viewed the nation's wickedness; 

He saw the abomination. 
And pitied the distress — 

Of those who cried, "How long, Lord, 
Wilt thou withold redress?" 

And then the mighty angel moved. 

And righteous indignation 
Appeared upon his countenance. 

As with deliberation. 
He drew his flaming sword, and 

Made this awful declaration. — 



20 Srotrs Porlic Gems 

"The iialion iiiusl be punished! 

Her cup ol" crime o'erflows 
With bh)0(l and tears and anguish, 

And all the human woes, 
liul she must drain it to the dregs." — 

Aud. forth the mandate goes. 

John Brown and Frederick Douglass, 
And Harriet Beecher Stowe, 

And Wilberiorce and others, 
Soon let the nation know — 

That justice had demanded. 
That slavery must go. 

But advocates of slavery, 

A bold defiance hurled. 
A shot fired at Fort Sumter, 

"Was heard around the world." 
And armies rushed to battle, 

With flaunting flags unfurled. 

The northern army mustered, - 
With hearts for victory steeled; 

The southern army met them 
Upon the battle field. 

With grim determination 
To die but never yield. 

The angel gave one pitying look. 
And took his flight, —and then. 

The demons of perdition. 

Came howling from their den. 

And hell turned loose its horrors. 
Among the sons of men. 

With frightful roar of cannon. 
With shot and shell and smoke. 

With deadly thrust of bayonet. 
And flashing saber stroke. 

With shouts and groans and curses. 
The awful strife awoke. 

The day of retribution. 

So long deferred — had come. 

Blood flowed like streams of water; 
Hearts bled in every home. 

The nation's mighty structure, 
Trembled from pit to dome. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 21 

And while each army struggled, 

The other to defeat, 
And hlood ran down the hillside. 

And flowed along the street. 
The slaves were hound, and had no voice. 

Save, "at the mercy-seat." 

How anxiously they waited! 

And how they groaned in prayer! 
Each hooming of the cannon. 

That rent the stifling air 
Brought hope, or fear, or courage; 

Or drove them to despair. 

At first it was "a white man's war." 

And white men fought and died. 
But could not end the conflict. 

Although the}^ hravely tried — 
lentil they called for colored troops, 

To join the Union side. 

God never had intended. 

Our people should be free. 
lentil they'd had a chance to prove. 

So all the world might see — 
That they were worthy; and (/.served 

The boon of liberty. 

And when two hundred thousand 

Black men, in grand array. 
Marched bravely to the l)attiefield 

And charged into the fray. 
They fought and died like heroes. 

Till freedom won the day. 

And then there came the tidings 
Which sped from shore to shore; — 

"The cause of right has triumj)hed! 
The cruel war is o'er! 

And all men now are freemen. 
And shall be evermore;" 

Then with a shout that shook the earth; — 

Four million fetters broke. 
Four million i)eople then threw off 

The cruel tyrant's yoke. 



22 Scott's Poetic Gems 

And then they paused; — their bosoms heaved; 
But not a word they spoke. 

The cause for this strange silence. 

Could not be far to seek; 
For while the tears of gratitude 

Rolled down each dusky cheek, 
Our people were so overjoyed, 

Tliey simply could not speak. 

*Twas only for a moment 

They thus in silence stood. 
But in that blissful moment. 

Each soul poured forth a flood 
Of praise and gratitude to God, 

"The giver of all good." 

And then a mighty chorus 

Was heard from shore to shore. — 

"Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! 

Glory! Glorij! Hallelujah! 

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! 
We are free forever more." 



Shouts of "Glory, Hallelujah," 

Rang from every cabin door. 
Rose from every hill and valley: 

Swej)t the southland o'er and o'er. — 
Till the winged winds caught the tidings. 

And on lightning pinions bore 
Echoes of Emanci])ation, 

To the earth's remotest shore. 

From each mountain top rebounding; 

Rushing all the landscai)e o'er; 
Sweeping upward, and resounding. 

Far above the thunder's roar. 
Then away beyond the sunset. 

And across the shining shore. 
Echoes of Emancipation 

Sw^ept right uj) to lieaven's door. 

There the angels si)read the tidings. 

All the ha])py regions o'er, 
And "the halleiujali chorus" 

Bursts into a mighty roar — 



Scott's Poetic Gems 23 

Like "the voice of many waters" 

Dashing on the golden shore. 
All the harps of heaven ringing; 
All the hosts of heaven singing — 

"Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! 
Freedom reigns forevermore !" 



Heavenly echoes, then descending, 
Met with echoes still ascending; 
And the air was filled with glory, 
As the echoes sang the story — 
How the God of our salvafion, 
Gave to us Emancipation. 
And the dark clouds hovering o'er us, 
Trembled with the glorious, cliorus. 

Vox celeste in soprano. 
Altos sweet, in vox humana. 
Tenors chiming in their place, 
Thunders rolling out their bass, 
Dia])asin, jubilante. 
From allegro to andante. 
Echoing in grand legato. 
Echoing in sharp staccato. 
Roused to highest jubilation. 
Echoes of Emancipation, 
Throwing off diminuendocs. 
Sweeping up in grand crescendoes. 
Strike into the dark clouds o'er us. 
Echoing in glorious chorus. 
And with mighty peals of thunder. 
Burst the dismal clouds asunder. 
Now the light of freedom streams 
Through the rifts in golden beams. 
Slavery's long, dark night is past; 
Freedom's light has come at last. 
And the earth and heavens ring. 
While the happy freemen sing — 

"Free at last! Free at last! 

Thank God almighty I'm free at last!" 

And, above the jubilation. 
Echoes of Emancipation, 
On the breezes, light and gay. 
Float, and float, and float away. 



24 Scolt's Poetic Gems 

Farther, farlluT, Jarther, till - 
Over field and vale and hill. 
We just hear their distant whispers. 
Mingling with the evening vespers. 
Then, as night's dark shadows creep. 
And the tired world goes to sleep, 
(ientle zephyrs in the west. 
Lull the echoes all to rest. 

So ended the first celebration 
Of the great Emancipation. 



CHILDREN'S DAY 



Again we hail our Children's Day, 
Come! hasten! and without delay. 
Out to the woodland! hie away! 
And gather flowers rich and gay, 

Nor hesitate nor pause. — 
But decorate with tasteful care — 
The church with ferns and flowers rare, 
Then in the exercises share, 
(live all the money you can spare. 

For education's cause. 

Our schools are more in need of aid 
Than they have been in this decade. 
But if an earnest move is made. 
Every dollar will be paid. 

And honor we will save. 
O! shall we then stand idly by. 
And let our institutions die? 
No ! we will to the rescue fly. 
And ])lace our glorious banner high. 

And proudly see it wave. 

Once more our (Children's Day rolls round. 
Come! let us raise a joyful sound. 
Let every hearl with joy abound. 
Wherever Sunday Schools are found. 

Sing songs of joy and ])raise. 
Praise Cod, and still His grace implore. 
Just sing His praises o'er' and o'er. 
Let every heart His name adorc% 



Scott's Poetic Gems 25} 

And give more money than before. 
A big collection raise. 



TELL THE TRUTH— OR NOTHING 



Be the trouble what it may. 
Just be careful what you say. 
Whether woman, man or youth. 
Hold your tongue, or speak the truth. 

Tell the truth— or nothing. 
Just be careful what you say. 
Tell the truth — or nothing, 
You will find that it will pay. 

If your neighbors don't agree, 
And you do not hear or see. 
Just he careful what you say. 
Mind your business anywa5^ 

A|iMC» ... 

Foes 1^3^ strive to injure you. 

And may tell what is untrue; 
Jog along and never mind, 
That's the better way you'll find. 

There are rumors, it is true, 
That will find their way to you. 
Don't believe all that you hear, 
There are tattlers ev'rywhere. 

There arc things you do not know, 
Tho' somebody told you so, 
Often-times the proof is weak. 
Get the truth before you speak. 

Whether enemy or friend. 
Tattlers come to no good end. 
Let your brother's faults alone. 
And be siirr to mend vour own. 



26 Scolfs Poclic (ieim 

LIGHT AT EVENTIDE 



Across the dreary fligiit of years. 
My soul is calling for its mate. 

Light of my life! — ere night appears, 
Come to my heart! why longer wait? 

The old clock tolls the passing hour. 

And, with the solemn pealing 
A magic spell of mystic pow'r. 

Comes o'er my feelings — stealing. 

I seem to hear a footfall near. 

My heart alond is beating. 
And, hark! a gentle voice I hear. 

My boyhood name repeating. 

"Willie! Willie! Don't you know me? 

I'm your little sweetheart yet! 
And have come for you to show me — 

How the sad past to forget." 



mmtk her. 



Springing through the gloom. 1 
In the moonlight's mystic gleam. 

And with outstreched arms 1 greet her, 
Then awake, — 'twas but a dream. 

*Tw^as but a dream, ])ut O ! how- sweet 
The kiss she gave me in that dream! 

Hope now declares — we yet shall meet, 
A.nd says, "things are not what they seem.** 

We've both endured the bitter past, 

'Till eyes are dim and locks are gray. 

But now, the time has come at last, 

Whicn we should nu'et while yet we may. 

That I am yours, and you are mine. 
Has been recorded and enscrolled 

In God's own "book of Love Divine," 
Ui)on a shining i)age of gold. 

The day declines, and tarries not. 

The eventitle comes on apace. 
Let all the sad past be forgot; 

Come to your (iod-ai)pointed i)lace. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 27 

I love you, dearest, love you still; 

For you are all the world to me. 
I love you, and forever will, 

Through time and through eternity. 

Come ! Darling, like a little child. 
And lay your head upon my breast. 

You're wearj'^: and the storm is wild. 
Come to ni}^ arms and sweetly rest. 

Hope now has opened wide the door. 
And listens for your coming feet; 

And love with all her joj'^s in store. 
Will make our happiness complete. 

Tho, dark clouds now between us roll, 
And hide ih^ joy-beams from our sight, 

Hope still declares — wife of my soul, 
"At eventide there shall be light." 

Yes, in the peaceful eventide. 

With all the dark clouds rolled away, 

In happiness we shall abide. 
Until the close of life's long da3^ 

Then, with the golden sunset. Dear, 
When to the journey's end we come. 

We'll "cross the bar" without a fear, 
And reach our everlasting home. 

Across the dreary flight of years. 

My soul is calling for its mate. 
Light of iny life ! ere night appears. 

Come to my heart! why longer wait? 

OVER ON THE PLAINS OF GLORY 



Over on the plains of Glory, 

With the holy and the blest, 
"Where the wicked cease from troubling, 

And the weary are at rest," 
There beside the shining river. 

With the angels bright and fair, 
I am going — to live forever. 

With mv Savior over there. 



28, Scott's Poetic Gems 

Where the tree of life is blooming. 

And the living waters glide. 
In that land of endless pleasure, 

I shall evermore abide. 
Where the saints are robed in whitenes, 

And bright crowns of glory wear. 
In that land of joy and briglitness. 

I shall meet my loved ones there. 

There, up there, are many mansions. 

And I know there's one for me. 
Yes, I know I have a home there, 

Where the "many mansions'' be. 
Soon I'll go to live in Glory, 

All its happiness to share. 
There I'll sing redemption's story. 

Meet me there! Meet me there! 



HOW AUNT DINAH "GOT BY" 



Aunt Dinah was a parson's C(U)k; 

And, though she was to blame 
For many things that disapj)eare(l. 

She "got by" just the same. 

The parson told Aunt Dinah, 
(One Sunday morning fine,) 

That he would bring a stranger ])ack 
With him from church — to dine. 

"So kill that crippled chicken; 

It's tired of hopping 'round. 
And you may eat the head and feet," 

Said pious Parson Brown. 

Then off the parson went to church. 
Aunt Dinah soon got bi:sy; 

To see her hustle things about 

Would make your head grow dizzy. 

She killed and cooked the chicken. 

And then began to eat 
The share the parson said was hers; 

'Twas just the head and feel. 



Scotfs Poetic Gems 29 

This simply made her long for more; 

Just stirred her appetite. 
She lelt that she could eat it all; 

But that would not be right. 

That chicken looked so tempting tho,' 

It made her old mouth water. 
She turned away and poked the fire, 

Tntil the stove got hotter. 

She tried to think of something else; 

But wondered "how the dickens 
The colored people ever got 

Such appetites for chickens." 

"I blebe I'll tare it wunst," said she, 

"Tu see if it am dun." 
So she tasted, and kept tasting, 

Till the chicken all was gone. 

And then she heard a noise that 

Made her realize her danger; 
It was the parson coming, — yes 

The parson and the stranger. 

"Gud Lawd! ha' mussy!" Dinah cried; 

"I'se gone dis time for 'sho; 
Lawd, hep olc Dinah outen dis, 

An' I'll nebber steal no mo." 

The stranger sat out on the porch 

And made himself at home; 
The parson went inside, to let 

Aunt Dinah know they'd come. 

"How is the chicken?" he inquired; 

"Dat's out o'sight," said she. 
"De carbin knife need whettin', fur 

It's dull as it can be." 

The parson took the carving knife, 

And to the back yard went. 
Then, o'er a grindstone standing there. 

Laboriously he bent. 



30 Scott's Poetic Gems 

Aunt Dinah seeing now her chance 

To raise a mighty breeze, 
Then darted out upon the porch 

And fell down on her knees — 

And rolled her eyes and moaned, and groaned, 

Betwen each gasping breath; 
Then grabbed that stranger sitting there 

And scared him half to death. 

"Why, Auntie! What's the matter?" 

He cried in great alarm. 
"Has any one attempted 

To do you any harm?" 

"Massa! I hates to tell you; 

But, den, you aut to no it. 
An' git away fum heah as quick 

As ebber 3'ou can go it." 

"My Massa luse his min' sumtime 

An' den he try to kill 
Ebrybody dat he see; 

Indeed, dat's what he will." 

"He got a spell dis minit, Sah! 

He whettin' a great big nif e ; 
An' he comin' heah to kill you: 

Run, Massa ! for yo' life." 

It took him but a leap or two 
To reach the fence and jump it; 

And then it was a sight to see 
That guy begin to "hump it." 

Aunt Dinah then let out a yell 

Which brought her startled master, 

But made that stranger hump himself 
And "hit the grit" still faster. 

"0, Massa! Massa!" Dinah cried; 

"Dat man dun stole de chicken; 
An' yon' he go, a-makin' traks. 

And runnin' lak de dickens." 



Scott's Poetic Gems 31 

With carving knife still in his hand, 

The parson quickly followed. 
"Don't kill 'im ! please don't kill de man !" 

Aunt Dinah loudly hollered. 

"Stop there ! You scoundrel ! Stop ! I say," 

The angry parson cried, 
"I'll kill 3^ou if I catch you. 

Confound your thieving hide!" 

And when the stranger heard that. 

On that lovely day in June, 
His coat tail straightened out behind 

And played a farewell tune. 

The parson stundjled; and he fell 

Into the mud — ker-flop; 
That settled him, and brought him 

To a very sudden stop. 

The stranger made his getaway,. 

Much faster than he came; 
The parson, all besmeared with mud. 

Came limping back, quite lame. 

He found Aunt Dinah in a faint; 

And thought that she would dier. 
But she was only "possuming," 

In order to "get by." 

It took a nerve to do it; 

But Dinah played the game : 
She ate her master's chicken. 

Then "got by" just the same. 



When Dinah ate that chicken. 

She risked a mighty danger. 
But she winked her eye, when she "got by,' 

And the blame fell on the stranger. 

How long and far that stranger ran, 

We have no way of knowing. 
The last we ever heard of him, 

They said he was still going. 



32 Scott's Poetic Gems 

KENTUCKY HOME.— FAREWELL ! 

A-lar Iroiii home and kindred. 

An aged Negro lay: 
'Midst strangers he was dying. 

And soon would pass away. 
And, as to seenes of ehildhood, 

His thoughts began to roam, 
He heard a sweet voice singing — low, 

"My old Kentucky home." 

"O, dc Sim shines bright. 

In my old Kentnclcij home, 
'Tis summer and de darkies all are gay : 

I)e corntop's ripe, 
An' de meadow's all in bloom. 

An' de birds are makin music all de day." 

He listened to the singer ceased. 

Then, as a nurse drew nigh. 
He called her to his bedside, 

And whispered — with a sigh — 
"I'd lak to ax one favor, 

'Twill drive away my pain, 
Please, Miss, go an' ax dat singer dear, 

To sing dat song again." 

The nurse spoke to the singer. 

And soon the sweet refrain, 
That had cheered the poor old Negro's heart, 

Rang soft and clear again : 
And, tho' his heart was hapi)y, 

His eyes, with tears grew bright. 
As brokenly he murmercd low — 

"Kentucky home, good night." 

He sank back on his pillow. 

And leaning o'er his bed. 
The kind nurse sought to comfort him. 

But, as she raised his head. 
She knew that he was dying. 

And soon would pass away; 
She saw his lips were moving, 

And heard him softly say — 



Scott's Poetic Gems 33 

"I'd lak to hear dat song agin, 

Of my ole Kentucky home, 
For I was born in ole Kentnck, 

Dars whar I used to roam. 
Ise heard de songs of many years, 

On de Ian' an' on de foam. 
But still I love dat dear ole song. 

Of my ole Kentucky home." 

"We will sing one song. 

Of my old Kentucky how.e. 
Now, my old Kentucky home — Farewell." 



THE MATRIMONIAL SHIP 

(Written for A Silver Wedding) 



For five-and-twenty 3'^ears you've sailed- 

Together o'er life's sea. 
Your ship was built of purest love, — 

Sea-worthy as could be. 

Right glad are we to find it still 

Alright from mast to keel; 
So we are here to share the joy 

And gratitude you feel. 

Long may j^our good ship travel on, 
O'er life's broad sea of time! 

And maj^ the trip be one of joy 
And happiness sublime. 

Until your Golden Wedding Day, 
May good luck still abound! 

Then on, till Diamond Wedding Day, 
With happiness rolls round. 

And when at last, the voyage is o'er, 
And toil and care shall cease. 

May you then reach the Golden Shore, 
And anchor there in peace. 



34 Scott's Poetic Gems 

ALMOST HOME! 



Almost home ! my stormy voyage, 
Shortly now will all be o'er; 

Unseen hands the sails are furling. 
Soon I'll reach the heavenly shore. 

Almost home ! how sweet it soundeth 
To my heart so ^^'orn wdth care! 

For I know that pain and sorrow. 
Nevermore can reach me there. 

Almost there! tho" storms may gather. 
And the clouds grow dark above. 

Brightly shining through the breakings. 
Beams my Savior's boundless love. 

Ev'ry moment as it passeth, 
Only leaves one less to come : 

Ev'ry wave that round me rolleth, 
Only bears me nearer home. 

When, at last, 1 reach the harbor. 
Nevermore life's sea to roam. 

'Mid the shouts of angels voices, 

Christ will bid me "Welcome Home." 



'HITHERTO THE LORD HAS HELPED ME'" 



Never will I be discouraged, 
As my journey I pursue; 

I will ever trust my Savior, 
Who has helped me hitherto. 

Hitherto the Lord has helped. 
Hitherto my need supplied : 

Hitherto the Lord has blessed mc. 
And I know He will provide. 

When the clouds that overshadow. 
Hide His blessed face from view, 

O, 'tis sweet to then remember — 
He has helped me hitherto. 



Scoffs Poetic Gems 35 

Many trials and temptations, 

He has brought me safely through; 
Ever since I learned to trust Him, 

He has helped me hitherto. 

• 
When the way's been dark and dreary, 

He has always led me through, 
How it cheers my heart to trust him — 

Who has helped me hitherto. 

When I reach the plains of glory. 
Which by faith I now can view, 

I shall live with Him forever — 
Who has helped me hitherto. 



WHEN JESUS IS HOLDING MY HAND 



When gloomy clouds across the sky 
Cast shadows o'er the land, 

Bright rays of light 

Illume the night. 
When Jesus is holding my hand. 

How sweet to rest secure in Him, 
Whose presence can command 
The happiness, 
Which I possess, 
When Jesus is holding my hand! 

When on the brink of death's cold stream^ 
My weary feet shall stand, 
With Jesus near, 
I will not fear. 
For He will have hold of my hand. 

And when I reach the heavenly shore. 
With all the blood-bought band. 

There I'll adore 

Forevermore — 
My Savior for holding my hand. 

Yes, Jesus, my Savior is holding my hand! 
No evil is able His pow'r to withstand. 
No harm can befall me on sea or on land — 
When Jesus is holding my hand. 



36 Scott's Poetic Gems 

FREDERICK DOUGLASS 



Written for, and sung by cliorns of 100 

Negro voices at the nnv citing of the 

Douglass Monument, Rochester, 

A^ y._1898 



I'nvril the statue! let us see 
That noble face oiiee more, — 

Which nations honor ev'rywhere, 
And we, his race — adore. 

His history, his lite, his deatii, 

Are fresh before us yet. 
His words of wisdom, and his work, 

We never can forget. 

He came of lowly birth, 'tis true: 

A Negro and a slave. 
He proved what Negro men can do, 
When noble, true and brave. 

His name shall live forever, 

For honor wrote it high. 
The memory of his greatness. 

Shall never, never die. 



THE PLACE 1 LIKE THE BEST 



And do you truly wish to know 

The place I like the best, 
And where I fain would end my days, 

And then lie down to rest? 

Well, there's a place in Tennessee, 

Most lovely! and replete 
With much that goes to make a town 

Look business-like and neat. 

It has its own electric plant. 

And water-works complete, 
Fine blocks of modern buildings — and 

Broad pavements of concrete. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 37 

Its courthouse and its public square. 

To see them — its a treat. 
Of Bedford Count}^ Tennessee, 

It is the County seat, 

I tell you, its a beauty spot. 

With its ])ewitching park. 
Its churches, schools, and lovely homes. 

All "right up to the mark." 

Now that's the place I like the best, 

It simply 'Tills the bill." 
Of all the places I have seen, 

Give me old Shelbyville. 



THE LITTLE WOMAN RULES THE WORLD 



Now man may claim to be the king 

Of all that he surveys: 
And say, 'tis ho, who o'er the world, 

The ruling scepter sways; 
To thinking minds, the fact appears 

To be the other way: 
P'or woman, with her smiles and tears. 

Controls the world today. 

With her witching, wilful, winning ways. 

Her cute and artful smiles, 
Her queenly grace, and sweet little face. 

Her wisdom, wit and wiles, 
She mocks the pride; she scorns the pow'r. 

Controls the will of man; 
Yes, the little woman, bless her heart! 

She truly rules the land. 

Tho' her path may lead through darkest ways. 

She always finds a light. 
Tho' her eyes be dazed by fortune's rays. 

She's sure to see a-right. 
Her logic satisfies herself; 

Her reason — "just because." 
Yet her sense lias saved a kingdom's fate, 

Her wisdom made its laws. 



•38 Scutt\s Poetic Gems 

Its the little woiiuHi that goes ahead, 

When man would lag behind. 
Its the little woman who sees her chance, 

And always knows her mind. 
Its the hand, as soft as the nestling bird, 

That guides the hand of Fate. 
Its the voice as low as the ev'ning breeze, 

That governs church and state. 

"THE-ONE-MAX-CON CERT-MAN" 

(Extract from a Hand-bill.) 



Born in days of Slavery, 

And was down in Tennessee — 

When the great Emancipation 

Came, — and made his people free. 

Endowed with an amazing share 
Of brilliant Gifts and Talents rare. 
He has charmed the populations 
Of the world's most cultured nations. 

White and Colored, (ireat and Small. 
Hear Him! Hear Him! One and all! 
He Sings and Plays "to beat the baud," 
And speaks so all can understand. 

He'll entertain you with a 

Feast of Music, Mirth and Laughter, 
'Twill cheer you up, and do you good 

For many days hereafter. 

He brings a Living Message 

In Poetry and Song. 
Come out and Hear Him for yourself. 

And bring your friends along. 

The Only One-Man-Concert-Man, 
Be sure to Hear. Him while you can. 
No Risk to run! No Fake to fear! 
Don't Have to Pay, Until you Hear. 

Come in Droves! and Come in Dozens. 
Bring your friends and all your cousins. 
Admission Free! 



Scott's Poetic Gems 39 

ANNOUNCING A CONCERT 



Kind Friends : 

I desire to make an announcement; 

And your pastor has said that I may. 

As I have'nt much time, 

I'll make it in rhyme. 
So please hear what Fve got to say. 

I've roamed this wide world o'er and o'er: 

I've traveled right around it. 
And much that I had thought was true. 

Quite dilTerent I found it. 

I've shivered in the far cold North, 
"Where bitter frosts have chilled me. 

I've sweltered in the sultry South, 
Where heat has nearly killed mv. 

I've crossed the briny ocean; 

Sailed o'er the deep blue sea. 
Walked on the "giant's causeway " 

Fished in the river Dee. 

I've seen the grand old castles, 

Of England and of Wales, 
And, of their bloody history. 

Have heard some awful tales. 

Through Europe, and through Egyj)!, 

Then to the Holy Land; 
Then on to China, and, of course 

I visited Japan, — 

Australia, and New^ Zealand, 

And then the Phillipines, 
Then back to dear America, 

Among familiar scenes. 

And thus I've gone around the world, 
Through countries far and near. 

Until it is my happy lot — 
To meet you people here. 

And, what my business is — with you, 

I'll now^ proceed to state. 
I'm to give you a one-man-conc(Mt; 

Something new, and up-to-date. 



40 Scott's Poetic Gems 

New features! New music, 

New poetic recitations. 
And charmingly unique 

Impersonifications. 

A real poetic and musical treat: 

With just enough humor to make it complete. 

Some good things, collected from near and from far» 

Amusing, instructive, and spectacular. 

The ways of the world, of the women and the men, 
Provide lots of work for ni}' good trusty pen; 
And much I have gathered in passing along, 
I've spun into verses, and wove into song. 

On courtship and marriage; on problems of life, 
On how to win a husband; and how to get a wife. 
On how to be happy as the days are long, 
I've got some good "pointers" in poem and song. 

What I tell about the women, and about a womans 

way, 
"This, alone, is worth a dollar," — so all the men say. 
While the women all declare Ihat its worth more than 

ten. 
To hear my funny poem on — achice to married men. 

So wives, see that your husbands come! 
And, husbands, brings your wives! 
You'll all enjoy this concert, 
'Twill brighten up your lives. 

This little "suit-case organ," 1 carry on my rounds. 

Is quite a curiosity; and weighs just forty pounds. 

It has pedals, keys, and bellows, and kneeswells all 

complete. 
And looks just like a suit-case when folded up so neat 

But, ah! when it is opened u|), and 1 begin to play, 
'Twill make your parlor organs hush, and have no 

more to say. 
I compose both the words and the music of the many 

songs I sing. 
Of public entertainers, the world calls me the King. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 41 

So, if you want "'a good time," if that's what you are 

after. 
Come out and hear "the Negro King of Music, Mirth 

and Laughter." 
Everybody is invited ! Wliite and Colored, Great and 

Small, 
Come ! and you will be delighted ! its a treat for one 

and all. 

This Church is the place where the Concert will be. 
Tuesday night is the time, the Admission is Free ! 
No charge at the door! No ticket proffering, 
At the close of ihe Concert — there'll be a Silver Offering. 

And, whether the proceeds are little or much, 

A part of the same will be given to the Church. 

The best refreshments to be found in the city. 

Will l)e served at the close by an excellent committee. 

An' dar's gwine to be a time, 

As sho's you born honey. 
So come! — rain or shine. 

And fotch along your money. 

ON BEGINNING A PROGRAM 



Kind Friends: 

To meet you here this evening. 

Gives me unbounded pleasure: 
And now I hope to give you all, 

A good and heaping measure 
Of something you will all enjoy. 

And something you can treasure. 
For something good, and something new, 

You're hungry as a grafter: 
You want some oratory — and 

Some music, mirth and laughter, 
if I am not mistaken. 

That's about what you are after. 

Well, that's enough, I'm sure, to make 

A Negro poet shiver. 
Until his physiognomy. 

Begins to quake and shiver. 
But I think I've got your order. 

And the goods I'll now deliver. 



42 Scott's Poetic Gems 

For the time has come for you to see 

If I am what I claim to be. 

So now, its all "right up to me," 

To pull the proof and show it. 
You want no "ifs and ands" and doubtful moods, 
No dodging round among the woods. 
But "strict delivery of the goods" — 

Is what you want — I know it. 

So now, the testing line is drawn, 

And I shall have to "toe it." 
The hill of fame is rough and steep; 

But up I've got to go it. , 

Right up and up, and never stop 
Until I reach the very top. 
As Singer and as Poet. 

And then before I take a rest, 
I'll open up my mystic chest, 
And picking out my very best, 

I shall proceed to throw it. 
I feel that I shall make a hit. 
Before I finish up and quit; 
I've got the goods, the ^icrve, the grit, 

And I am here to show it. 

I mean to scatter as I pass. 

Some choice gems of highest class. 

Then turning on my laughing-gas. 

All over you I'll throw it. 
There needn't be the least alarm. 
My laughing-gas will do no harm; 
But it may prove to be so warm. 

That you will have to blow it. 

'Twill make you laugh, and smile, and grin; 
But when yo'U taste it and begin — 
To like it, then you'll take it in 

Till you've no where to stow it. 
O, yes! 'twill make you fairly roar, — 
And shake your sides till they are sore, 
And say, O, please give us some more. 

You dear, bald-headed poet!" 

I mean to scale the lofty height; 
And there in ev'rybody's sight. 



Scott's Poetic Gems 43 

Right on the summit's frowning front, 
Perform a most amazing stunt. 
Then stepping out upon the ledge, 
And standing on its very edge, 
I'll do an act of daring skill. 
And make you hold your breath until 
You feel your very heart stand still, 
As you gaze up below it. 

But oh! my friends if I should slip; 

And make a grab, and lose my grip; 

And quickly take a downward trip; 

And hit the earth a mighty "bip;" 

And dislocate my back and hip; 

And my best Sunday breeches rip; 

And plow the earth with nose and lip 

Until the blood begins to drip, 

Tlien I'racr dont reach back to 3'our hip 

And grip your pistol by the grip. 

And fire a bullet — bang! — ker-zip! 

Or grab a stone and throw it, 
And hit the old guy in the eye. 
Because he tried to climb so high. 
But as you tenderly draw nigh, 
And gaze upon me where 1 lie. 
Just heave a sympathetic sigh; 
And do your level best to cry; 
And let a tear drop from your eye. 

Fall on the fallen poet. 
But please don't say — while standing by,— 
"You vain dilapidated guy. 
If evermore we see you try 
To do a stunt up in the sky. 
We'll hit you in the other eye: 
And then we'll leave you here to die: 
You're too ambitious — that is why — 

You're crazy and don't know it." 
And, if such cruel words I hear, 
I'll shake the dust out of my ear. 
And then I'll sneak away from here, 

As fast as I can go it. 
And nevermore shall I appear 
Before the public anywhere; 
For that will end my long career. 

As Singer, and as Poet. 



44' Scott's Poetic Gems 

But there's no fear that I shall fall. 
I'm simply making rhymes, — that's all: 
Because I'm what the people call — 
"A jolly Negro Poet." 

So now, your kind attention, friends, 

I ask, until my program ends. 

On good attention, much depends: 

And I am sure j^ou know it. 
If you would sec me swell my chest — 
Until I can't pull down my vest. 
If you would make me do my hest. 

As Singer, and as Poet, 
Then let me add a word or two. 
And make this one request of you, — 
When you arc pleased with what 1 do, 

Just clap your hands and show it. 
Then I'll know you know a good thing. 

And you'll know I know you know it. 



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